Clairboyance

Frustrated by her inability to understand boys, especially her estranged best friend Leo, Hawaiian-born Clara, who lives with her grandmother on the North Shore of Oahu, wishes upon her family 'umeke ("You can ask the 'umeke any question.... But the answer could surprise you," her grandmother explains) to know what boys are thinking. Suddenly, she can hear boys' thoughts. Clara sees her newfound gift as an opportunity to reconnect with Leo while managing the complicated dynamics of sixth grade. But it might be too late: she may be leaving Hawaii soon to live with her father and his fiancée in Arizona, something she's wanted ever since the school year started. Fearful that she's running out of time, she tries helping those around her by acting upon their thoughts, but the more she interferes, the more she seems to mess up. Now Clara must find a way to put things to rights and decide where her future lies. Focusing on family, friendship and forgiveness, Kahakauwila crafts a love letter to Hawaiian culture, identity, and landscape and captures the uncertainty and confusion of navigating middle school, fashioning a heartfelt debut that emits positivity, optimism, and warm vibes. Ages 8-12. Agent: Markus Hoffman, Regal Hoffman & Assoc. (May)

This hilarious and heartfelt middle grade novel answers the age-old question: What are boys really thinking?! Protagonist Clara, a Hawaiian tween, is gifted with the answer. After gaining the magical power of listening that has been passed down in her family for generations, Clara is finally able to understand what the boys around her are thinking—she becomes 'clairboyant.' Clara gains these powers early on in the novel, giving the story momentum. Despite some funny bumps along the way, Clara learns how to use her powers for good, helping her male friends work through their insecurities while gaining confidence in herself and learning powerful lessons about honesty, vulnerability, and trust. Clara's roots in her native Hawaiian culture is an equally powerful theme in the novel, as she engages with community elders like her grandma Tūtū and her bus driver Kumu Maka, who is māhū (gender nonconforming), to strengthen her connection to the natural landscape and people on the island she calls home. VERDICT Providing necessary AANHPI representation, humor, and instant middle school appeal, this novel is a first purchase.—Maria Bohan

"Kahakauwila crafts a love letter to Hawaiian culture, identity, and landscape and captures the uncertainty and confusion of navigating middle school, fashioning a heartfelt debut that emits positivity, optimism, and warm vibes." — Publishers Weekly

"A beautiful celebration of Hawai'i, including family, community, history, and the land." — Kirkus Reviews

"Kahakauwila's superpower is to create a coming-of-age story full of compassion and insight." — John David Anderson, author of Posted

"A moving tribute to the place we call home." — Malia Maunakea, author of Lei and the Fire Goddess

"A truly engaging story." — Marie Arnold, author of The Year I Flew Away and I Rise